Working in Controlled Airspace - Drones in Dublin

Fergal McCarthy

Many people are aware of the usefulness of drones in industry, however, there are lots of restrictions on where drones can be flown and used.

Airspace is divided up based on Classes; The biggest controlled airspace in the country is not surprisingly in and around Dublin. Almost all of County Dublin is covered by multiple airspace classifications, from Class C to military, Dublin is a hive of activity. From airports, to hospitals, foreign residences to prisons, there are many No Fly Zones around Dublin.

No Fly Zones, as you might have guessed, are areas where drones cannot be flown without prior permission, and only by Specific Operations Permissions holders. One of the biggests and least obvious is the Phoenix Park. Due to a number of sensitive residences within the park, it is almost entirely covered by a NFZ.

Along side NFZ's are Class C airspace. Drones can be used up to 15m Above Ground Level (AGL), in these areas without ATC clearance. Beyond that, you need an SOP to apply for permission. This is not a given, you need to apply and work with ATC to complete the mission.

At Drone Services Ireland, we specialise in working in the controlled airspace in Dublin. This is where we complete most of our work.